ARKANSAS, Oct 24 (Future Headlines)- Solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy has announced the commencement of operations at its advanced facility in Massachusetts, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to scale its solid-state technology for electric vehicle (EV) applications.

Factorial Energy, based in Massachusetts, has dedicated the past decade to developing and manufacturing energy-dense solid-state batteries for EVs. Earlier this year, at CES, the company unveiled its flagship product, the Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) solid-state cell, which boasts a 100 Amp-hour (Ah) capacity. This unique battery technology is compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment, simplifying the transition for automakers to these advanced cells.

By May, Factorial had received UN certification for these solid-state cells, allowing them to be sent to automakers for testing, potentially including joint venture partners such as Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor Group, and Stellantis, although Factorial did not confirm these collaborations.

Now, with A-Sample battery cells being sent to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Factorial has initiated production at a new, state-of-the-art facility in Massachusetts. This facility is likely to host the most extensive solid-state battery assembly line in the United States.

The facility is situated in Methuen, Massachusetts, near Factorial’s current research and development site and headquarters. The project represents a $50 million investment in the state and is expected to generate up to 150 new jobs. The facility’s current footprint provides space for an assembly line with a capacity of up to 200MWh.

Factorial Energy’s CEO, Siyu Huang, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s progress and the new battery facility, stating: “We are thrilled to open our next-generation battery facility in Massachusetts as we scale our batteries for mass production. This facility will enable us to manufacture cells to meet the needs of our automotive partners and progress our mission to commercialize solid-state batteries. As a U.S. company, we’re also proud to contribute to the onshoring of battery manufacturing for EVs and advancement of battery innovation for a differentiated supply chain.”

The successful commencement of operations at this facility indicates that Factorial Energy is accelerating toward pre-production of solid-state battery technology at scale. This development sets the stage for eventual mass production and the availability of electric vehicles equipped with these advanced solid-state batteries.

Reporting by Alireza Sabet; Editing by Sarah White